U.S. patent application number 12/845897 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-30 for kit for inflating and repairing inflatable articles, in particular tyres.
This patent application is currently assigned to TEK S.R.L.. Invention is credited to Maurizio MARINI.
Application Number | 20110155279 12/845897 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34917557 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110155279 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MARINI; Maurizio |
June 30, 2011 |
KIT FOR INFLATING AND REPAIRING INFLATABLE ARTICLES, IN PARTICULAR
TYRES
Abstract
A kit for inflating and repairing inflatable articles, in
particular tires, the kit having a compressor assembly, a container
of sealing liquid and connectors for connecting the container to
the compressor assembly and to an inflatable article for repair or
inflation; the compressor assembly being housed in an outer casing
defining a seat for the container of sealing liquid. The container
is housed removably in the seat and functionally connected to the
compressor assembly so as to form a compact unit ready for use.
Inventors: |
MARINI; Maurizio; (Pesaro,
IT) |
Assignee: |
TEK S.R.L.
|
Family ID: |
34917557 |
Appl. No.: |
12/845897 |
Filed: |
July 29, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10591033 |
Jul 26, 2007 |
7789110 |
|
|
PCT/IB2005/000309 |
Feb 8, 2005 |
|
|
|
12845897 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/5 ; 141/38;
141/4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29L 2030/00 20130101;
B29C 73/166 20130101; B60S 5/046 20130101; B29C 73/025
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/5 ; 141/38;
141/4 |
International
Class: |
B65B 31/02 20060101
B65B031/02; B65B 31/00 20060101 B65B031/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 27, 2004 |
IT |
TO2004A 000117 |
Claims
1-14. (canceled)
15. A kit for inflating and repairing inflatable articles, the kit
comprising a compressor assembly, a container of sealing liquid,
and connectors connecting the container to the compressor assembly
and to an inflatable article for repair or inflation, an outer
casing housing said compressor assembly, and releasable connectors
stably connecting said container to said compressor assembly, so
that the container, when housed in a seat, is maintained
functionally connected to said compressor assembly, said kit being
characterized in that said outer casing defines said seat external
to the casing constituted by a lateral end wall of said outer
casing and at the bottom by a base projecting from said end wall,
said container being housed removably in said seat.
16. A kit according to claim 15, wherein said connector comprises a
fast connection to couple said container to said base.
17. A kit according to claim 15, wherein said outer casing defines
a peripheral groove and said connector comprises a hose housed in
said peripheral groove.
18. A kit as claimed in claim 15, comprising a dispenser unit
connectable detachably to said container and having an inlet
fitting releasably connected to said compressor unit and an outlet
fitting connected to said hose.
19. A kit as claimed in claim 18, comprising a cavity to which is
fitted a neck of said container in an upside down position.
20. A kit as claimed in claim 15, comprising an additional hose
cooperating with said inflatable article; and a three-way valve
input connected to said compressor assembly, and output connected
to said container and to said additional hose to direct a stream of
compressed air selectively to said container or to said additional
hose.
21. A kit as claimed in claim 20, wherein said three-way valve is
controlled by a selector which can be set to a disabling position,
in which operation of said compressor assembly is disabled; to a
first enabling position, in which operation of said compressor
assembly is enabled, and said container is connected fluidically to
said compressor assembly; and to a second enabling position, in
which operation of said compressor assembly is enabled, and said
additional hose is connected fluidically to said compressor
assembly.
22. A kit according to claim 16, wherein said outer casing defines
a peripheral groove and in that said connector comprises a hose
housed in said peripheral groove.
23. A kit as claimed in claim 16, comprising a dispenser unit
connectable detachably to said container and having an inlet
fitting releasably connected to said compressor unit and an outlet
fitting connected to said hose.
24. A kit as claimed in claim 17, comprising a dispenser unit
connectable detachably to said container and having an inlet
fitting releasably connected to said compressor unit and an outlet
fitting connected to said hose.
25. A kit as claimed in claim 23, comprising a cavity to which is
fitted a neck of said container in an upside down position.
26. A kit as claimed in claim 24, comprising a cavity to which is
fitted a neck of said container in an upside down position.
27. A kit as claimed in claim 16, comprising an additional hose
cooperating with said inflatable article; and a three-way valve
input connected to said compressor assembly, and output connected
to said container (3) and to said additional hose to direct a
stream of compressed air selectively to said container or to said
additional hose.
28. A kit as claimed in claim 17, comprising an additional hose
cooperating with said inflatable article; and a three-way valve
input connected to said compressor assembly, and output connected
to said container (3) and to said additional hose to direct a
stream of compressed air selectively to said container or to said
additional hose.
29. A kit as claimed in claim 18, comprising an additional hose
cooperating with said inflatable article; and a three-way valve
input connected to said compressor assembly, and output connected
to said container (3) and to said additional hose to direct a
stream of compressed air selectively to said container or to said
additional hose
30. A kit as claimed in claim 19, comprising an additional hose
cooperating with said inflatable article; and a three-way valve
input connected to said compressor assembly, and output connected
to said container (3) and to said additional hose to direct a
stream of compressed air selectively to said container or to said
additional hose.
31. A kit as claimed in claim 27, wherein said three-way valve is
controlled by a selector which can be set to a disabling position,
in which operation of said compressor assembly is disabled; to a
first enabling position, in which operation of said compressor
assembly is enabled, and said container is connected fluidically to
said compressor assembly; and to a second enabling position, in
which operation of said compressor assembly is enabled, and said
additional hose is connected.
32. A kit as claimed in claim 28, wherein said three-way valve is
controlled by a selector which can be set to a disabling position,
in which operation of said compressor assembly is disabled; to a
first enabling position, in which operation of said compressor
assembly is enabled, and said container is connected fluidically to
said compressor assembly; and to a second enabling position, in
which operation of said compressor assembly is enabled, and said
additional hose is connected.
33. A kit as claimed in claim 29, wherein said three-way valve is
controlled by a selector which can be set to a disabling position,
in which operation of said compressor assembly is disabled; to a
first enabling position, in which operation of said compressor
assembly is enabled, and said container is connected fluidically to
said compressor assembly; and to a second enabling position, in
which operation of said compressor assembly is enabled, and said
additional hose is connected
34. A kit as claimed in claim 30, wherein said three-way valve is
controlled by a selector which can be set to a disabling position,
in which operation of said compressor assembly is disabled; to a
first enabling position, in which operation of said compressor
assembly is enabled, and said container is connected fluidically to
said compressor assembly; and to a second enabling position, in
which operation of said compressor assembly is enabled, and said
additional hose is connected.
35. A method for inflating an inflatable article which comprises
connecting said inflatable article to a connector as claimed in
claim 15 and introducing air compressed by said compressor into
said inflatable article.
36. A method as claimed in claim 2521 wherein said inflatable
article is a tire.
37. A method for repairing an inflatable article which comprises
connecting said inflatable article to a connector as claimed in
claim 15 and introducing air compressed by said compressor and
sealing liquid released from said container into said inflatable
article.
38. A method as claimed in claim 23 wherein said inflatable article
is a tire.
39. A kit for inflating and repairing inflatable articles, the kit
comprising a compressor assembly, a removable container of sealing
liquid, and connectors connecting the container to the compressor
assembly and to an inflatable article for repair or inflation, an
outer casing housing said compressor assembly, and releasable
connectors stably connecting said container to said compressor
assembly, so that the container, when housed in a seat, is
maintained functionally connected to said compressor assembly
wherein said kit comprises an additional hose cooperating with said
inflatable article; and a three-way valve input connected to said
compressor assembly, and output connected to said container and to
said additional hose to direct a stream of compressed air
selectively to said container or to said additional hose.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a kit for inflating and
repairing inflatable articles, in particular, tyres.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Sealing liquids for fast repair of inflatable articles are
known. The liquid is fed into the article for repair by means of
compressed air, e.g. by means of a compressor, penetrates any holes
or slits in the article, and sets on contact with air, thus rapidly
sealing the article.
[0003] Such liquids are widely used for fast tyre repair, to which
the following description refers for the sake of clarity and purely
by way of example.
[0004] Vehicle spare wheels pose a number of well-known problems,
not least of which are their considerable size and weight.
[0005] More specifically, if the wheel is housed inside the
vehicle, normally in a compartment to the side of or beneath the
boot, the capacity of the boot is greatly reduced, and the tyre is
difficult to remove, especially when the boot is full.
[0006] Conversely, if stowed outside the vehicle, normally in a
compartment beneath the floor, or attached to the rear door, the
wheel can easily be stolen and is still not easy to remove.
[0007] Given the good road conditions in most countries, punctures
are now rare, so that changing a wheel can prove extremely
difficult, if not impossible, on account of the bolts being locked
tight, and in any case is awkward by being performed in critical
conditions (traffic, poor lighting, bad weather). Considerable
advantage is to be gained, therefore, by replacing the spare wheel
with a repair and inflation kit comprising a small compressor and a
container of sealing liquid, which can be stowed easily in a
special compartment or in the boot of the car.
[0008] In addition to the big reduction in size and weight,
puncture repair is also made faster and easier: as opposed to
changing the wheel, the compressor is simply connected to a current
outlet on the vehicle, the container of sealing liquid is connected
to the compressor and to the valve of the tyre for repair, and the
compressor is started to feed the liquid into the tyre. For this
purpose, the container normally has a dispenser unit comprising an
inlet conduit and an outlet conduit connected respectively, by
respective conduits, to the compressor and the valve of the tyre
for repair.
[0009] The container and the compressor are normally separate parts
that must be connected prior to use, and which at most are housed
for convenience inside the same holder.
[0010] This therefore involves additional work prior to use.
[0011] In one known solution, the container is fitted permanently
to the dispenser unit, which incorporates a sealing device. The
container, in itself open, is therefore undetachable from the
dispenser unit.
[0012] Another drawback of this solution is that, when the use-by
date of the sealing liquid expires, both the container and the
dispenser unit must be replaced, thus increasing cost.
[0013] In another known solution, the container itself is sealed,
e.g. by a sealing membrane, which is split when the container is
fitted to the dispenser unit. This means also the dispenser unit
must be fitted to the container just prior to use, thus making
additional work.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide a kit
for repairing and inflating inflatable articles, designed to
eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks. typically associated with
known kits.
[0015] According to the present invention, there is provided a kit
for inflating and repairing inflatable articles, in particular,
tyres; the kit comprising a compressor assembly, a container of
sealing liquid, and connecting means for connecting the container
to the compressor assembly and to an inflatable article for repair
or inflation, and being characterized by comprising an outer casing
housing said compressor assembly and defining a seat for the
container of sealing liquid, said container being housed removably
in said seat, and by comprising connecting means for stably
connecting said container to said compressor assembly, so that the
container, when housed in said seat, is maintained functionally
connected to said compressor assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] A preferred, non-limiting embodiment of the present
invention will be described by way of example with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a view in perspective of a repair kit
comprising a container of sealing liquid and in accordance with the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 shows a partly disassembled view in perspective of
the FIG. 1 kit;
[0019] FIGS. 3 and 4 show a rear view and underside view in
perspective respectively of the FIG. 1 kit partly disassembled;
[0020] FIGS. 5 and 6 show sections, along line V-V in FIG. 2, of
the container and a dispenser unit of the FIG. 2 kit assembled
together;
[0021] FIG. 7 shows a schematic of a pneumatic circuit connected to
the FIG. 2 kit dispenser unit.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0022] Number 1 in FIGS. 1 to 4 indicates as a whole a kit for fast
repair of inflatable articles, in particular, tyres.
[0023] Kit 1 substantially comprises an electric compressor
assembly 2; a container 3 of sealing liquid; a first hose 4
connecting container 3 to compressor assembly 2; and a second hose
5 connecting container 3 to a valve (not shown) of the tyre.
[0024] In known manner not shown, compressor assembly 2 comprises
an electric motor and a compressor--powered by the electric
motor--which are housed inside an outer casing 6.
[0025] Casing 6 is substantially parallelepiped-shaped and, at one
longitudinal end, defines a seat 7 for housing container 3 upside
down. More specifically, seat 7 is bounded laterally by a
substantially semicylindrical end wall 10 of casing 6, and at the
bottom by a circular base 14 projecting from end wall 10.
[0026] Container 3 comprises a vessel 15, preferably in the form of
a bottle, containing the sealing liquid and having an externally
threaded neck 16 defining an opening (FIGS. 5 and 6); and a valve
device 18 housed in opening 17. Valve device 18 forms an integral
part of container 3, to ensure the container is closed fluidtight
when detached from the rest of kit 1, as explained in detail
below.
[0027] Valve device 18 comprises a body 19 having a cylindrical
lateral wall 20, of axis A, inserted in fluidtight manner inside
neck 16, and a portion 20a of which extends beyond neck 16, into
vessel 15, and is closed at one end by an end wall 21.
[0028] Portion 20a has two circumferential series of holes 24, 25
communicating with the inside of vessel 15, spaced axially apart,
and located close to end wall 21 and close to neck 16
respectively.
[0029] Body 19 of valve device 18 also comprises an inner member 26
defined by a tubular rod 27 of axis A, and by a supporting ring 28
fixed inside an open end of body 19 and connected integrally to
tubular rod 27 by a number of spokes 29 forming a number of axial
passages 29a.
[0030] Rod 27 has a first end portion 27a close to end wall 21, and
a conveniently flanged second end portion 27b projecting axially
outwards of body 19, and defines internally an axial passage
27c.
[0031] Valve device 18 comprises a tubular slide 30, which slides
axially inside the annular chamber 36 formed between body 19 and
rod 27. Slide 30 is maintained in an axial stop position against
end wall 21 by a helical spring 31 compressed axially between slide
30 and supporting ring 28.
[0032] Slide 30 has a circumferential series of holes 32 formed at
an outer annular groove 33 dividing the slide into two portions 37,
38. Slide 30 also comprises two pairs of outer, axially spaced
sealing rings (O-rings) 34a, 34b and 35a, 35b, which are housed in
respective annular seats and form a sliding seal between slide 30
and body 19. The two pairs of O-rings 34a, 34b and 35a, 35b are
located on axially opposite sides of holes 32. More specifically,
O-rings 34a, 34b are carried by portion 37 facing end wall 21, and
O-rings 35a, 35b are carried by portion 38 facing end portion 27b
of rod 27. In said axial stop position of slide 30, O-ring 34a is
located between holes 24 and end wall 21; O-ring 34b is located
between holes 24 and holes 32; O-ring 35a is located between holes
25 and holes 32; and O-ring 35b is located on the axially opposite
side of holes 25 to O-ring 35a.
[0033] Portion 37 of slide 30 slides in fluidtight manner on rod
27, preferably with the interposition of an O-ring 38a on rod 27.
Portion 38 of slide 30 is larger in inside diameter than rod 27,
and defines, with rod 27 a chamber 39 open towards the flanged end
portion 27b of rod 27 and communicating with holes 32.
[0034] Kit 1 also comprises a dispenser unit 40, which is housed
stably but detachably inside a recess 44 in base 14 of casing 6,
and is connected detachably to container 3 to fit it, upside down,
to casing 6 (FIGS. 1, 5 and 6).
[0035] More specifically, dispenser unit 40 substantially comprises
a plug-like central portion 45 having a substantially cylindrical
lateral wall 46 and an end wall 47, which define an internally
threaded cavity 48 into which neck 16 of vessel 15 is screwed; and
a circular flange 68 extending radially from central portion 45 and
defining a bayonet connection with corresponding fastening means 49
in base 14 of casing 6.
[0036] Dispenser unit 40 also comprises a first tubular fitting 50
projecting radially from central portion 45 and defining a conduit
51 communicating with and radial with respect to a bottom portion
52 of cavity 48; and a substantially pipe-like second tubular
fitting 53 projecting radially, close to end wall 47 of central
portion 45, in a radial direction perpendicular to that of first
tubular fitting 50. Second tubular fitting 53 defines a conduit 54
communicating coaxially with bottom portion 52 of cavity 48.
[0037] When container 3 is screwed into dispenser unit 40, end
portion 27b of tubular rod 27--possibly fitted with an annular
sealing member 69 on the end--cooperates in fluidtight manner with
end wall 47 of central portion 45, so that the internal axial
passage 27c of rod 27 communicates with and substantially
constitutes an extension of conduit 54 (FIGS. 5 and 6).
[0038] Base 14 has lateral openings (one shown in FIG. 4) through
which fittings 50, 53 are accessible from outside casing 6, once
dispenser unit 40 is bayonet connected inside recess 44 in base 14,
e.g. by rotating it 45.degree. with respect to the FIG. 2 insertion
position.
[0039] First fitting 50 is connected to hose 5, which, when not in
use, may be wound about the casing and housed inside a peripheral
groove 56 in the casing; and second fitting 53 is connected to
compressor 2 by hose 4. Conveniently, hose 4 is longer than
required for connection to fitting 53, and is fitted on its free
end with a fast-fit, e.g. lever-operated, coupling 58. Hose 4 is
therefore normally connected to second fitting 53, but can be
detached easily and connected directly to the article, e.g. a tyre,
ball, dinghy, etc., if this simply needs inflating and not repair.
Hose 4 is normally stowed almost entirely inside a seat 59 formed
on the underside of casing 6, from which it extends along an
underside groove 60 housing the end portion of hose 4 fitted with
coupling 58.
[0040] Second fitting 53 is located at a different height from
first fitting 50, so as to avoid any interference with hose 5 wound
about casing 6.
[0041] Compressor assembly 2 has an electric power cable 61 fitted
on the end with a connector 62 for connection to a current outlet
on the vehicle. Cable 61 is normally housed in a seat 63 formed in
a portion of casing 6 opposite seat 7 for container 3, and
connector 62 is stowed inside a cavity 64 in seat 63. Compressor
assembly 2 is conveniently provided with a gauge 65 and a switch
66.
[0042] Kit 1 and particularly container 3 operate as follows.
[0043] Kit 1 is an integrated preassembled unit, which is supplied
ready for use as shown in FIG. 1.
[0044] To repair an inflatable article, e.g. a tyre, hose 5 is
simply connected to the tyre valve, and compressor assembly 2
activated.
[0045] The air pressure along hose 4, fitting 50, and internal
passage 27c of rod 27, is transmitted to the end of annular chamber
36, and exerts thrust on the end surface of slide 30 adjacent to
end wall 21.
[0046] Slide 30 therefore moves, in opposition to spring 31, from
the FIG. 5 rest position to the FIG. 6 position, in which O-rings
34a, 34b are interposed between holes 24 and holes 25, and O-ring
35a has moved past holes 25, so that holes 32 in slide 30
communicate with holes 25. Compressed air therefore flows through
holes 24 into container 3, which is therefore pressurized, so that
sealing liquid flows through holes 25 and holes 32 into chamber 39
in slide 30, and is fed along fitting 50 and hose 5 to the
tyre.
[0047] Device 18 therefore acts as a two-way, two-position,
pneumatic valve. In the closed position (FIG. 5), the container is
sealed; with pressure along the feed line defined by hose 4, device
18 opens automatically to allow compressed air into container 3,
and simultaneous outflow of sealing liquid.
[0048] The advantages of kit 1 according to the present invention
will be clear from the foregoing description.
[0049] In particular, kit 1 is a compact, integrated unit that can
be stowed ready for use, with no additional work required, other
than connection to the vehicle electric system and to the tyre.
[0050] Container 3 with an integrated valve device 18 constitutes
an independent sealed unit, regardless of whether or not it is
connected to dispenser unit 40.
[0051] After use, or when the sealing liquid use-by date expires
(normally after a few years), only container 3 need be replaced.
That is, dispenser unit 40 need not be replaced, and may be left
permanently inside casing 6.
[0052] Using a two-way valve device 18 closed stably in the absence
of pressure along the feed line 4, sealing liquid leakage is
prevented, even in abnormal conditions, such as overpressure in
container 3 caused by high temperature inside the boot of a car
parked in the sun.
[0053] Using a valve device 18, container 3 is ready for use at all
times, i.e. fitted permanently to kit 1. Container 3, in fact, is
sealed but operated immediately in response to turning on the
compressor.
[0054] Unit 40 is preferably detachable from casing 6 and carried
by container 3.
[0055] Clearly, changes may be made to kit 1 as described herein
without, however, departing from the scope of the accompanying
Claims.
[0056] In particular, FIG. 7 shows a diagram of a pneumatic sealing
liquid dispensing circuit 80 comprising a three-way, three-position
valve 81, a conduit 82 connected to second fitting 53, and an
additional hose 83 connectable to the tyre. Valve 81 is input
connected to the compressor of compressor assembly 2, and is output
connected to conduit 82 and additional hose 83.
[0057] Valve 81 is controlled by a hand-operated selector 85
located on casing 6 and cooperating with an on-switch 86 of
compressor assembly 2. In use, selector 85 defines a disabling
position, in which on-switch 86 is disabled and compressor assembly
2 cannot be started, thus preventing it from being turned on
accidentally; and a first and second enabling position, in which
on-switch 86 is enabled to start the compressor. More specifically,
in the first enabling position, valve 81 is switched automatically
to connect the compressor to dispenser unit 40 via second fitting
53 and disconnect additional hopes 83; and, in the second enabling
position, valve 81 is switched automatically to connect the
compressor to additional hose 83 and disconnect dispenser unit 40.
Additional hose 83 is housed in casing 6, and enables compressor
assembly 2 to be used quickly and easily to inflate a flat
tyre.
[0058] Pneumatic circuit 80 and hose 5 may also be connected to one
or more hand-operated relief valves 87, to prevent overpressure in
conduit 82 and hoses 5 and 83, or, when the compressor is off, to
accurately adjust the pressure of the inflatable article as
required.
[0059] The end of hose 5 connected to the tyre may be fitted with a
non-return valve, to prevent sealing liquid leakage when hose 5 is
detached from the tyre.
[0060] Container 3 may also be connected to casing 6 by a click-on
coupling acting in a direction parallel to axis A.
* * * * *